Opice34

Quote: Originally Posted by kt2434 Did the Dr. clear her to fly at all? I fly in private jets like Citations & Gulfstreams (for work) & there can be a lot of pressure in your ears depending on where you are going, I don't think it's a good idea to fly a baby in Gwen's condition, even in a PJ. Driving is probably the safest route, sorry... I'm also concerned with how bumpy the ride is. I have gotten sick on several flights on cessnas/private planes and I've never gotten sick on a commercial plane. Granted I'm flying with fighter pilots in the cessnas and they like to make them dip and do all sorts of crazy stuff, but I still puke. (FI LOVES being with a girl with a weak stomach.) But it just seems way too bumpy for a gentle little newborn. (Although, they would fly as smoothly as possible with a newborn on board.) But I also can't imagine driving that entire way, so it seems like you could endure the bumpiness for a few hours? As long as the pressure wasn't a problem... Ann, If you do drive, to someone else's point, the route needs to be planned carefully to make sure you don't get stuck out in Podunk somewhere. Maybe we could plan the trip along BDWers homes and you could stay with them along the way? I still think your company should be paying for this!!!! Have you asked your HR person? They have an obligation to get you home!!

It would be great if it worked out. Some things to consider though... Flying in those smaller planes is a lot less comfortable. It is also pretty bumpy. I'm not so sure that would be the gentlest way to get a little baby somewhere. Also, I guess you'd just hold her on your lap? Also, I'm concerned about the pressure in her ears. I guess smaller planes fly a lot lower than commerical planes, so that would be good, but if the doctor didn't want you driving through the mountains with her because of the altitude, that concerns me. Anyway - he's a Naval fighter pilot and very good under pressure, but I don't think he's ever had such precious cargo! If I were him, I'd be nervous to carry a little baby! What if the pressure started getting to her and he needed to land quickly! (Although I think he would be much more relaxed than I.) lol I'm just laughing in my head as I imagine this conversation with him. I can hear him saying "so...you want me to carry a newborn baby, who was premature, and the doctors don't think it's safe to fly on a commercial plane?" I think that would make anyone nervous! But maybe he'll be fine! Once we find out if it's okay for her to fly at all, I'll have FI call him.

So, I just called FI and told him my "friend" Ann's story. He said "who is this again?" So then I explained that I've actually never met her but I know her from that wedding forum I'm always on. He laughed. Anyway - he said gas is going to be mighty expensive, but let us know if Gwen can fly and he'll give pilot-guy in California a call.

Quote: Originally Posted by lambert13 If all else fails and let's say chartering a plane is the only viable option... I know I would put as much money as I could towards helping with the cost. If we got enough of us behind an effort like that, I bet we could absorb a good portion of the cost for them. A $10,000 bill for them to handle alone is astronomical. But, if all of us, their friends and family chipped in whatever they could...that could become a possibility. Ann..if that is the only option that looks possible...don't count it out before coming to all of us for help. I can pledge my support for what I can part with. And I think her company should chip in, too! That's crazy! (I have an HR background, so maybe that's why I'm a bit more concerned about that.)

Quote: Originally Posted by AnnR The flight is about 4 hours, and there is a direct option on Northwest. The doctors here just don't recomend babies flying before 44 weeks (gestational), and since she will likely be discharged from the hospital at 37 weeks, we'd rather not wait another ~2 months to fly home. It would be ideal in terms of getting her home faster, but not sure we're willing to risk it. The doctors agree, that nothing would probably happen. But not sure that's a chance I am willing to take! It's the altitude, pressure, and recycled air they're most worried about. They even told us not to drive up into the mountains with her because of the altitude. Argh! So, is it okay for her to fly at all? Even on a private plane? Another post mentioned that she may have problems with the air pressure and altitude? And what part of CA are you in now? I'm asking because FI used to be a Navy pilot stationed in CA and he still has a good buddy out there who has his own plane and flies regularly. He's also a sweetheart of a guy and would probably do it for the cost of gas. (Which might be a lot - but I'm sure we could raise something!) It's an older plane, definitely not up to Donald Trump's standards, but it would get you home. Let me know if flying is even an option and I'll look into it. (He may actually be deployed at the moment, but I don't think so. I can't keep up with all of these deployments!) Also - I think this would be something the Ronald McDonald house could assist with. I bet this kind of thing happens frequently, especially with car accident victims who are in hospitals away from home and want to get home. This has to have happened before, so there has to be a way. I would call them and see what they recommend. And finally - since you were on a business trip when little Gwen was born, is your company helping with this at all?! Goodness, I hope so! Seems like they have an obligation to get you and your family home! In the most comfortable way possible!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by amy&andy08 Went to spin at 6 am again this morning with Andy...he's hooked; and misery loves company, so I'm glad he's there! Going back after work for weights and 30 min running intervals.....Down another 1.5 lbs in 2 weeks. Crazy! 19 days til we leave Okay - I have a logistical question....when you are working out twice in one day, do you wash your hair twice? How do you manage this? My whole hair-doing process is lengthy! No way could I do that twice in one day! Or do you have low-maintenance hair or just throw it in a ponytail? I need to figure out how to work in this many workouts!

I second the NO SALT and TONS OF WATER rules! I also second the seaweed body wrap comment. These are definitely temprorary fixes, but they really help - and they make your skin oh so soft! Just make sure you listen to your body and that you're being healthy about it all... Good luck!!!!

WOW! I love what you did to that dress!! It is GORGEOUS!! And might I add, you're smokin'! Your workouts that you post in the "Did you exercise today?" thread are even more inspirational now! I have got to get working!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

Cool! Thank you! I'm planning to do what your friend did - choose a designer and a color and let the girls pick their own cut - and just discovered the Dessy/AfterSix line and was pleased with their options! Thank you! PS - Your wedding is coming up soon!! Getting excited?

Done!!

Does anyone know what the price range of Dessy/After 6 is? The website shows either a 1, 2, or 3 diamond icon to note the price range, but that could be a wide spread. Is 3 diamonds $400-$500 or $200-$300?? I think I've found some dresses I like there online, and I'm hoping they aren't crazy expensive! Any ideas?

Oh, yes. My friends were all pretty cool with it, but a lot of people in my family flipped. My favorite quote came from my 98 year old (adorable) grandmother who said "oh my word, you're getting married in Mexico? Honey, my friend Agnes went there and about 3 years after she got home she DIED." I said "well, how old was Agnes?" And Grandma said "oh, she was young, maybe 85?" I love, love, love that my Grandma does not yet think she's old. But you're right! You've gotta do what you've gotta do! People may be condescending, but you're not getting married to appease anyone else. It will all work out. Hopefully they will come and see how fabulous it is!!!

So, I had food poisoning or a stomach virus or something, and I'm finally keeping food down, but I am drastically dehydrated. FI drank the last of the gatorade yesterday, so I sent him out to get some more. He, of course, came home with a 1 gallon jug that I don't imagine we'll ever finish. The thing is huge! But I just got up to pour another cup and the expiration date is November 22, 2008. That's 7 days after my wedding date. 1) I'm freaked out that a refrigerated product for consumption lasts that long, but 2) I cannot believe that my wedding date is so close that there is a perishable food item in my house that expires around that time! Holy crud!

Also - does anyone have the prices for the DJ that the Hilton recommends? Becks, I think you said that DJ Mannia was a lot cheaper, but I don't think Fernanda has sent me the pricing for the Hilton DJ....do you know what that cost was? THANKS!!!

I just reading through the posts to see when you guys sent out your invites....have all o fyou already sent them out? And it looks like most of you gave 6 weeks for a response? Is that standard? I was planning to send them out the first week of July, but now I'm thinking I need to get on things and send them out earlier! Yikes!

Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan my mom still talks about how she regrets having a friend take their wedding pictures. he got drunk & took pictures of the ladies only. OMG - that is so terribly sad and hilarious at the same time. I feel horrible for your mom, but that is kind of funny! Like others said - it really does depend on how important photography is to you and I agree that it is the only tangible memory you'll have from your wedding. (That's why we alotted more in our budget for photography and cut back in other areas.) I think the kid will get some great shots, and if you are okay not having hundreds of great shots, then I think you'll be fine. But if he just keeps clicking away, he's bound to get some good ones. Make sure he knows what a responsibility this is. Honestly, as much as I love photography, I would never do weddings. It's just too much pressure. I was a wreck when I shot my friend's weddings because I was just so terrified that I'd screw up, or break the camera, or drop it in the toilet or something (I have a tendency to be quite clumsy). I swear I almost got an ulcer. I shoot friend's baby's pics sometimes, but those can be redone! The stress of shooting a wedding is that it is a once in a lifetime moment and it freaks me out! And that's why I'm paying a lot for a photographer. But again - it just depends on how important it is to you. You'll get some great shots, I think, but you just may not get TONS of great shots... Oh - and I have a friend who started photography classes in high school and now does it professionally. She was phenomenal then and she's phenomenal now. Even in high school her work was nationally published in ads and magazines. So it is possible to find a young pup who is incredibly talented. But everyone gets better with practice! Let us know what you decide!

I think it's a great idea. I started taking shots at friend's weddings for fun and then ended up becoming the only wedding photographer for friend's weddings that followed. Good lord, it is stressful, but it was my gift to them and I was able to save them a lot of money. I would make sure to show him lots of pics from other weddings...lots of shots you'd like to get. At that age, he probably doesn't understand what the "meaningful" moments of the wedding are. If you'd like to get shots of your hands with the rings, your silhouettes from the back...I don't know...but I would choose some pictures from other weddings that you like so that he can have a good idea of your style and the kind of shots taken at a wedding. Shooting a wedding is much different than shooting anything else. There is a lot going on and lots of little moments to capture and he really needs to be "with it". So, I'd just show him as many shots as possible. My only concern with hiring a teen would be - is he responsible? Dependable? He's not going to get down there and go wild and booze it up, right? Make sure he knows it's not a free vacation and you really need to be able to rely on him. But I think it's a great idea! And you can still photoshop them! I swear, with the programs that are out there these days, anyone could create good pictures. It's incredible. And I'm sure he has access to some sort of programs through school, too. That being said, there will always be a difference from amateurs using photoshop and the true pros who have all of the vision and incredible equipment. (Which is probably why I'm spending a lot for a photographer.) But I still think you'll end up with great pics!

Oh - just BEAUTIFUL!!! I love your bouquets! What kind of flowers were those pink things? Everything just looked lovely! Congratulations!!

Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry! Maybe she's crazy hormonal or something, but holy cow that baby is so blessed to have an incredibly loving extended family! A lot of children do not have nearly that many people who want to love and hug it! And I'm sad that SIL hasn't recognized what a wonderful event this is for your family as well. Grandbabies are a big deal! I'm sorry! Hopefully her behavior will improve once she settles into motherhood a bit...

My FMIL invites herself, but I adore her, so it doesn't bother me. Plus she does it in a very cute way...she'll call and say "We really miss you both and would like to come visit. Please just tell me if there is a weekend that works for you and I will plan it." So it's not like she gives us the small choice of two dates, and the way she says it is so darn cute that I just want her to come anyway. I'm really lucky in the in-law department. Is DH her only son? I think marriages cause a lot of change in families and while you and DH are starting your lives together and getting used to "married-ville", his mom is also getting used to sharing her son and the fact that he's married. I'm sure we'll all understand this a little more when our boys grow up and start relying on other girls instead of us. (FI was always very close to his mom and he recently told me that he hardly talks to her anymore and they've grown apart because when he has a bad day, he talks to me. And that makes me feel very sad for her. That has to hurt as a mom. So I make sure he still calls her frequently.) Anyway - the moms have to deal with lots of changes when kids get married too, and sometimes they don't handle it well. That being said, I'm sorry she's so cold towards you! At least she was nice on the wedding weekend, but that still stinks! I'm sorry! Would you guys ever invite her on your own? If not, it may be better that she invites herself rather than spending years resenting not getting an invite... I hope everything works out!!

Celina! I read your other post about your family drama and oh my goodness I am so terribly sorry!! BIG HUG!!! You poor thing!

Oh - it looks like they are sold out! They are so beautiful though!! Everything is going to look wonderful!

Oh - how lovely that you have a wonderful new baby to celebrate with you, too! Congratulations!!!!

YARI!! Where is that dress from?!?! I LOVE IT!! I think I want to wear it to one of my showers!! And I love the shoes too! Don't you love BR shoes??

Quote: Originally Posted by Yari Oh no, I hope you feel better soon! Thanks Yari!! I'm actually feeling much better and I have some hunger back, but nothing is staying down! I think the gatorade is a good sign though...and I have much more energy today. (Although I'm still not doing much - I think I've been in front of the computer just about all day.)